Sophie Gardiner

Raising money for vital further cancer research together.

Such fun this morning with Sarah, a fellow Daffodil swimmer showing off our stylish daffodil hats. Celebrating thirty swims in the bay during August. An amazing physical and mental challenge whilst  acknowledging the challenges anyone with cancer face each day. 

Pre swim procrastination.

Nearly the end of the Daffodil Day swim challenge. It has been a great physical test to get into the chilly water each day during August. I am convinced it has been a heathy venture.  

It’s a privilege to experience so much of the day before many people haven’t emerged from bed.

I can’t believe it is the end of August and theoretically the end of winter. Today was a perfect morning. The clear sky and air represented an ideal morning for the couple of hot air balloons drifting across the city. The full moon descended towards the horizon and the swimmers waded their way into the chilly bay to slowly drop below the surface and swim out. Each morning I think of Charlie E as I take this plunge. 

27th August 1958

Icy swim today. High mountain water has made its way into the bay this week. Air temperatures and water temperatures were almost aligned. A glowing moon setting on the horizon was magnificent. 

Chilly sky awaiting sunrise.

Chilly morning today with a bitter wind. After all the recent rain the water was churning. A huge ship had arrived into Port Melbourne overnight and several hot air balloons were struggling to rise on the horizon. 

Not a dolphin but a pink mermaid. My friend Pam emerges from the deep.

It absolutely poured with rain overnight. As the sun rose the rain eased to expose a gentle grey landscape with no one on the beach. A few stray leaves floated around me and the current was slowly moving me westwards, towards the city. 

A solo Point Lonsdale swim today. I met two other brave swimmers, Wendy and Chris. Gentle waves, an open sky and a view to the lighthouse, the icing on the cake. We bobbed and dipped as we shared swimming stories and felt invigorated. You never regret a swim. 

Stunning fresh and clear morning.

Absolutely clear sky this morning. The air was five or six degrees and the water ten or eleven. The sun applied a weak heat to my hands as I offered them like a small solar panels. 

Robyn is the pack leader for this family of dogs.

A daylight swim today. Followed by birthday breakfast at Louise’s house. Such fun to be together on these occasions.  The beach is full of regular local characters including Robyn and her three poodle companions Gracie, Bear and Anon who follow her with purpose. Every fifteen metres Robyn pauses to give each dog a treat ensuring they hardly leave her side for fear the treats may disappear. 

For most of us every birthday is worth celebrating in style.

The swim was brightened with a beach birthday celebration for Louise today. (birthday is tomorrow).Hot tea and the delay to enter the water was welcome. 

Early morning swimmers contemplating their entry into the water.

Today is Daffodil Day and the fortieth anniversary of the Cancer Council campaign focussing on cancer research and essential support for everyone on this challenging journey. 

Waiting waiting waiting.

A mild northerly wind was welcome as we emerged from the chilly water this morning. As the sun rose it was reflected on the ships waiting patiently in the docks. Two state of the art Spirit of Tasmania boats  have been waiting for months to be put into service. Apparently setbacks in Davenport have caused extended delays. 

Can you spot the stars?

The stars were twinkling around the clouds this morning. I am really enjoying capturing  moments and making intentional creative observations each day. There is always a wow factor waiting for me. 

Charlie watching Rachel.

We are already in the second half of August. The winter mornings reveal a side of Melbourne most people aren’t awake to see. The moon, stars, clouds and the emerging sunrise create a performance of ever changing sets on a huge stage. 

Sea grasses are flourishing and today dolphins were frolicking in the water. All a positive sign for a healthy bay.

The bay remains murky, however it is very nice to be in the water nonetheless.  Thinking of Charlie E and how brave he was as I  sink into the water each day. This morning was particularly special as there were many dogs, Sunday beachcombers and even a dolphin playing in the still water. 

Nearly half way through the daffodil day challenge. 

Most mornings I make short work of the latte prepared with care by the delightful team at Halcyon Days in Kerford Road.

Six of us swimming today. Super chilly challenge. The sky was mostly clear and I could see an emerging sunrise on the horizon with the bayside palms silhouetted against the sky. Reminiscent of Hotel California. 

In the style of Clarice Beckett.

The water has settled somewhat after all the rain. Cold water has found its way into the bay from the Yarra and higher rivers up stream. Post swim we rinse  off with warm water from home in milk cartons. Such a comfort. This is followed by the perfect chai latte at Halcyon Days Cafe. 

After the heavy recent rain the water was churning. A strong current pushed the water across in an easterly direction.

A chilly day and a murky bay after all the recent rain.  Nothing seems to stop us from swimming. Fortunately there were mostly leaves stirring through the water. Definitely not my favourite conditions. 

There was steady rain overnight and into the morning. Temping to stay in bed but that would defeat the purpose of the challenge. I was going to get wet anyway. As it turns out it was a fabulous swim. Peaceful and calming to the soul. Strangely I didn’t feel cold like I did yesterday.  A long restful sleep last night could be the key! 

Every day is cold however  today was one of those mornings it felt even colder. Is it psychological or physical? I am contemplating what might impact my body temperature. 

The dogs members of the DSG (dog swim gang), are valued team players supporting the morning swims.

It’s good to be here.

Slipping into cold water is not easy no matter the time of year. The initial shock is replaced by a semi comfortable numbness that lulls you into feeling almost warm. However there are so many greater challenges people face every day which cannot be overcome by a warm shower,  dry clothes and a hot drink. 

The light and water are distorted at this time of day.

6 am swims with DSG friends. Water temperature is sitting on 10 degrees. The skies have been grey and uninviting. Today the water was perfectly still  and calm. Yesterday however was choppy and unwelcoming. Three kayakers appeared from nowhere which raised our safety awareness. They were probably as shocked as we were to see them and fortunately no one was hurt. At this time of day and year it is dark and visibility is poor. 

Another perfectly clear morning. Chilly temperatures all around but in good company with Dog Swim Gang friends. Enjoying the combination of icy weightless movement in the weak sun. 

7.30 am Saturday swim in daylight. 10 degrees in the water and less than 5 degrees outside. Fortunately the sun was shining which provided a weak post swim warmth.The water was still  and the sky clear blue. A perfect start to the Daffodil Day swim challenge. 

Dense fog settled over Melbourne this morning at chilly five degrees . The water was still and eerily quiet. Only brave swimmers sunk into the water keeping a very close eye on the dim misty lights on shore.